Our History

Frank Baines Saddlery is a family-run business with connections to the saddle trade going back 150 years. Our founder, Frank Baines, started his apprenticeship in the Walsall saddlery trade in 1964 at just 15 years old before starting his own company in 1980 with his wife, Jane. The company quickly gained a reputation as one of world’s finest Saddle Makers. Their son Garry, and daughter Victoria, joined the business to continue the traditions.

Over recent years, many saddle makers have introduced automated production methods to speed up and reduce the costs of making a saddle. However, at Frank Baines Saddlery, we value the traditions of craftsmanship which is at the heart of our business. Whilst we have adopted the use of innovative tooling methods & materials, we still custom-make each and every saddle by hand.

Both Frank Baines and the company have regularly won prestigious competitions including: The Best Made Saddle Competition, held by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, on seven occasions and Frank has since been asked to judge this competition. In addition, the company has won the Best New Product Award at The British Equestrian Trade Association Trade Show and at Spoga Horse in Germany and won European Export Awards. By regularly receiving awards for excellent manufacture, Frank Baines Saddlery continues to remain at the forefront of contemporary saddle design on the international stage.

Passing on such skills is an art and to recognise this, Frank Baines Saddlery was awarded a National Training Award. Frank also became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Saddle Makers following his appointment as a Freeman of the City of London, and is also proud to be a Past President of the Society of Master Saddlers. Frank is also honoured to have been listed in the 2009 Whos Who publication.

Frank Baines Saddlery is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with many of the world’s top riders including Stephen Clarke, Ian Stark, Mary Hanna, Ruth Friend, Polly Stockton, Clive Halsall, Andrew Davies, Lee Williams, Mary King and Beezie Madden and we continue to sponsor up and coming young riders.

Frank retired in 2016 officially handing over the reins to his children, Garry and Victoria. Frank continues to be involved in the Worshipful Company of Saddlers supporting their work to improve training and apprenticeship schemes in the industry.